6:47pm Sunday, May 25 2008
"When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities."
- Deepak Chopra

In literature about animal symbolism, the energy of an elephant is said to assist us in attuning to Mother Earth’s ancient wisdom. Just prior to the 2004 Tsunami that hit Thailand and neighboring countries, elephant trainers reported their elephants “going crazy”, bellowing unusual sounds and stampeding for higher ground. How is it they could hear Mother Earth’s warning and we could not? Felt like a lesson in there somewhere to me.

During our visit to Thailand, Richard and I experienced the grace and majesty of these creatures as we enjoyed the privilege of riding on their backs. One particular trek stands out. Coincidentally, both of our mothers are named Shirley. Get this… Five minutes into this particular trek, we learn that our elephant is named “Shirley”. Coincidence or a big neon sign trying to get our attention? Sitting atop of one of “Mother” Earth’s renowned messengers, it was difficult to ignore the significance of this incident. Elephants are also well known for their enduring memories. I made a note myself to never FORGET this experience.

Since our visit to Thailand, Richard and I have taken a closer look at the footprints we leave behind in our consumption & enjoyment on “Mother Earth”.

My Affirmations: I am open to the guidance in meaningful coincidences. I take responsibility for all my choices and how they affect the planet.

Inset Photo: Riding Shirley in Koh Chang, Thailand (2006)

7:20pm Sunday, May 4 2008
"It is not how much you do, but how much Love you put into the doing that matters." - Mother Teresa

While in India at the yoga ashram, I experienced the practice of Karma Yoga - the yoga of "selfless service". At first our group chores were embraced as a great opportunity to get to know each other. But enthusiasm quickly evolved to irritation and the practice sadly became just another thing to "get done". Some students said they resented the fact that it wasn't a personal choice they could make. Our teachers decided to make the practice optional. Reflecting back, many of us clearly did not understand the deeper meaning behind the practice.

I have been known to invest in "people pleasing" and so was personally quite happy to be of service. Wow… did I miss the point entirely! I can now see that I was feeding an ego-identification of being a hero through giving. Only now have I become aware of these ego-motives and how this behavior has not served me or the greater good.

I realize now that Karma Yoga is not about martyrdom, charity or the development of a resume. It’s about the quality of energy I invest in moving each rock and NOT the size of the pile of rocks I eventually move. It's about being present in the doing and not the anticipation of the hip-hip-hoorays at the end of the job. Big difference. The practice of Karma Yoga is about bringing my best self forward in every moment from start to finish without attachment to end results. When I do this, a powerful energy flows into the action bringing peace & contentment that affects every participant, spectator & benefactor on levels that are beyond my understanding. Karma Yoga is about making every moment count. It’s about experiencing the remarkable in the mundane.

My affirmations: The light in me recognizes the light in you. Every action is a signature of the sacred within me.

Inset photo: Piling rocks at the Ashram, Yoga University, India (2006)

5:00pm Friday, April 18 2008
"The really happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery when on a detour." - Unknown

Upon my arrival in Mumbai, India, I began to realize that Cindy might not be showing up to meet as previously planned. Stubborn denial of my reality was not warmly accepted by a couple of nervous airport security guards who told me that I needed to leave. Their words; "Your friend is not coming" felt brutally honest & really out of place in my well orchestrated plan. I began to panic and feel very alone. What had happened to Cindy? What was I going to do now? Ahhhh...the beginning of my detour...

A well meaning travel guide took me to "the newest hotel in Mumbai"... so new it was still under construction. I realized that I was allowing fatigue, confusion and fear to give me the experience of being a victim. It was time to take back my power and review my resources. Acceptance, gut instinct and email. I convinced my new Indian friend that although "rest & be happy" was great advice, I really needed to get to an internet cafe. Here I learned that Cindy's flight from Abu Dhabi had been delayed by 24 hours. She would be arriving the next morning & could I arrange a taxi to take us to the Ashram? BIG sigh of relief... Now I could enjoy my detour.

This experience reconnected me to the POWER in the present moment. I realized that by fighting my circumstances, I was giving up all my power. Acceptance isn't giving up, it's slowing down & recognizing that in any given moment you can choose to be okay regardless of the circumstances. Our circumstances do not define us. Thank you India for the lesson!!

My affirmations: I choose to be okay in this moment. I access the power within me THROUGH acceptance of the present moment as it is.

Inset photo: Cindy in Nasik, India (2006)

6:05pm Friday, April 11 2008
"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Hamlet

The Dalai Lama is an interesting person to observe. Exiled from his country at the age of 23, he has spent almost 50 years living as a refugee in India. But you won't hear him complain about it nor will you hear him condemn the Chinese. He does not resist what is - he accepts his situation whole heartedly. As a result he is admired around the world for his practical and compassionate attitude.

It made me look at myself and my language..."I am just so BUSY... never have enough time... always rushing... when will it end?" I wondered to myself, is this language creating resistance to what is? YES. Does this line of thinking decrease my suffering? NO. I decided that if something isn't working - CHANGE IT! Why is that so difficult? Complaining without an intention to make changes is a waste of precious energy. The Dalai Lamai's courage to live life FULLY in the present moment really inspires me. Are circumstances so bad? Or is it the thinking that makes it so? It's never too late to begin again.

My new affirmations: I do what I love & I love what I do. I manage the clock by bringing my best self forth in this moment.

Inset photo: Chiang Mai, Thailand (2006)